I put myself through this experience last night. Still gobsmacked. I went in blind, which I think is probably the best way to do it. But I only know two or three people I can recommend it to without damaging our friendship.
Cronenberg Jr. has taken off the gloves and thrown off his father’s mantle. I can see how growing up with his dad’s imagery in the nursery would give him a head start in the transgressive-cinema sweepstakes, but this feels like entirely new. Even the body horror imagery stands on its own.
Beside Pasolini and Cronenberg Sr., there’s a whiff of mid century surrealism layered in: IP gives us a new angle on ‘The Discreet Charm” and “Exterminating Angel.” Not to mention the cheeky parallels to shows like “White Lotus” and “The Night Manager.”
I didn’t recognize the name at first, and thought you’re talking about a new release. Between reading Wiki and watching the trailer, it finally came limping back to me. Which is to say, it didn’t make nearly as much of an impression on me as it does the OP. I recall thinking the premise is interesting and wondering if it’s based on a book. Also. it features a Skarsgard and a Goth (not a big fan).
Now I want to watch it again and see if it strikes me differently. Maybe I was a little high when I watched it, or I simply missed something. @lissener , would you mind being more specific about what you saw? Put it in a spoiler box if you want.
I didn’t recognize the name at first, and thought you’re talking about a new release. Between reading Wiki and watching the trailer, it finally came limping back to me. Which is to say, it didn’t make nearly as much of an impression on me as it does the OP. I recall thinking the premise is interesting and wondering if it’s based on a book. Also. it features a Skarsgard and a Goth (not a big fan).
Now I want to watch it again and see if it strikes me differently. Maybe I was a little high when I watched it, or I simply missed something. @lissener , would you mind giving some specifics about what you like it?
Kind of hard to nail down. I think art’s function to disturb and challenge is more important than its ability to subdue and entertain. I.e., I’m a huge fan of transgressive cinema, which can offer a different perspective by jolting you out of a complacency and apathy you’re probably not even aware of. I’d rather get a punch in the gut than a pat on the head.
“Infinity Pool” does this with style and sly, sickening humor. Rather than indulge the innocent fantasy of hanging out with other privileged people in an exotic location, being pampered and catered to by simple, uncomplicated “others,” it pretty roughly rubs our noses in the colonialist violence of such an activity. The destructive effects this has on ourselves as well as to the world we live in. That even if the consequences of our actions are delayed and counterintuitive, they’re justified and inevitable. The piper must be, and will be, paid.
and a Goth (not a big fan).